State to crack down on high stakes poker games

With illegal poker games being run all over the state, often for high stakes, the state's top law enforcer is calling for cities and towns to crack down on the wildly popular outlaw card matches.

Texas Hold'em and other poker games routinely advertise cash jackpots of up to $10,000 online and in newspapers. But under state law cash prizes over $25 are banned, even at charity tournaments. Yet many local nonprofits - churches, social club and veterans groups among them - sponsor the poker contests as fundraisers.

In an attempt to set limits on the craze, Attorney General Thomas Reilly sent a letter to police departments and city and town halls yesterday reminding officials that betting on poker games is against the law.
``Poker games involving the wagering of money or anything else of value are illegal,'' according to the AG's letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Herald.
The letter also details rules for charity games, which allow players to buy in for one price to play for prizes but do not permit betting on individual hands. The law also prohibits the common practice of ``re-buy ins,'' which occur when a player who has lost all their chips and seeks to purchase more to continue playing.
Reilly's office, which regulates charities, also warned cities and towns to make sure poker permits are only issued for registered non-profits that have been in business more than two years.
One local player who regularly joins in cash games at various Boston bars and private clubs said the law is unfair, arguing that the poker contests are a good way to raise money for youth sports teams and other legitimate causes.
``It's a good way for (Pop Warner) football to make some money,'' said the player, who requested anonymity. ``People get to make money renting their function halls and the charities and organizations get their money. It's a fun night and it works for everybody.''
AG spokeswoman Sarah Nathan said the advisory was sent out in response to swarms of requests from communities questioning the legality of tournaments and to notify charities of the rules.

``You have to stay within the constraints of the law,'' Nathan said.

By Dave Wedge

News Added: 02 July, 2005

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